Metamorphosis, my Line is Born.

I’ve changed. I’ve changed as an artist completely. Just like an igneous rock changes under pressure, and then becomes a metamorphic rock. Loving rocks, stones and gems, I had to use that analogy. Nerd alert! My whole artistic temperament is different from it was before the Build a Line Master Challenge started. I had hopes, dreams and wonderful ideas, but no idea of how to get there. I needed focus. I got more than I bargained for….

I started with a passion and joy. That was my love for birds. Here was the beginnings of my line. This humble little bird ring is a fun piece and easily reproduced. Something everyone can afford.

From there I moved on to the line of bracelets. I soaked up a lot of inspiration from our class when we studied Jewelry History. I learned that a sound artistic foundation starts with understanding Jewelry’s roots. I can now see all that research manifest itself in my current work. These next 3 bracelets I might want to reproduce, and sell several of each design. They will be my lowest priced items in my line of Bird Bracelets. I’ve made a pair of matching earrings for each bracelet, to provide a cohesive look when worn together. I loved making them!

I go back and reread the modules we’ve learned and discussed each week. Our teacher Brenda has written 23 modules to date, plus a few from the administrators. It’s no wonder we have all changed so much. As part of the business plan I’m writing, I intend to review these modules often, to keep these ideas fresh in my mind. I will also be keeping abreast of current fashions by reading Vogue and InStyle magazine each month, keeping my pulse on all the seasonal colors, and watching online fashion shows. There is so much information to be gleaned from staying plugged in and current.

Sunny, my Photobomber…

I had quite a few ‘aha’ moments in class. One of them was learning to keep a careful eye on my inventory. I found that it directly related to the types of jewelry one makes and their venue of selling. Items like clasps, rings and chain are must haves. If you were strictly going to be making ooaks, or ‘one of a kinds’, then a varied supply of different finishes would work great. If I was going to sell multiples, it’s important to not run out of key pieces. If I’m selling at trade shows, I’d need to have lots to pieces made, sometimes multiples and be ready to go at a moments notice. It makes so much sense, but when you’re not planning and just hanging out making stuff, you’re just not ready! I now know what to strive for. I plan to be ready for all situations. Just in case…

The next 2 bracelets in my line are special pieces. These will not be reproduced. They took me a long time to make, and their prices will reflect that. They also have earrings to go with them. The gold bracelet on the right has a perfect petite 3D bird in the middle. Try as I might, in many lighting situations, I could not capture it. I plan to keep trying!

Here’s a close-up finally, of the golden bracelet, and the elusive center bird….

Yeah, we can finally see the perfect little Rusty Black Bird!

At the beginning of the class, I was going to just make the 5 required pieces, but then they begged me for earrings. I was going to start making the bracelets matching necklaces, but I pulled myself back. It was too much. Especially since the bracelets were pretty ornate, and conversation starters. I gave my head a shake and talked my exuberance off the ledge! Instead, I took that energy and applied it to a 6th piece. Something over the top. Something special. Something that screamed FASHION! I started with a big nod to Pantone’s color of the year for 2016. They announce a new color each year, plus a selection of seasonal colors. This year for the first time, they announced 2 colors. Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue. Very soft colors. So I used them as my inspiration and pumped them up a bit. Okay, quite a lot! Here’s my show stopper bracelet. The background is a lacy brass cuff that I painted with ivory and distressed. The bird, I covered in tons of pink and blue rhinestones. Along the bottom and back are blue cut glass drops, and a hand cut Rose Quartz drop in the middle. Plus a pair of matching earrings. I picture these pieces worn on a fashion shoot or on the runway.

I’d like to thank all the amazing birds that have enriched my life, and inspired this line with their free spirits. I’d love to thank my dear teacher, mentor, and friend Brenda Sue Lansdowne. Her experience over many decades made this class and my metamorphosis as an artist possible. I’d love to thank all the beautiful rocks and gems everywhere, and you know who you are…My love affair with you started me down this awesome path. My treasure chest is full. Aaargh Matey!

Chris, first let me just tell you I’ve loved reading every one of your blogs. You write beautifully, you are like a sponge absorbing all of the salient lessons from class, and weave them into the blog so artfully. Now in class, I got many a chuckle from you…I adore your since of humor! You made me smile so many times! This line of yours is striking. I particularly love the copper and silver cuff and earrings (imagine that!), but all of your pieces are wonderful. Well done! Sharing this journey with you was a genuine pleasure.

You did such a great job, Chris. I love the photos of you at work and with your dog. Pix like that draw people in and get them looking, too. You have a great line there and with your determination it is bound to blossom and grow! So sally forth and make it work! BECAUSE YOU CAN!

Thank you Brenda for your encouraging comments! This class was so much more than I could have hoped for. You provided me with so many aha moments. Also, thank you for giving me the courage to include pictures of myself, warts and all. I totally understand they reason to do it 😉 I will indeed sally forth. Many kind thanks for your awesome commitment to us kids.

Thanks Marcia! You have been wonderful to go to class with, and have assisted Brenda when needed, and it’s much appreciated. I had a lot of joy making that cuff, and will include it in my marketing when I can get the perfect picture of it. My pup loves the camera.xo

You have a great concept for your line – I like the name too. I think my favorite pieces are the black and gold “birds & bees” bracelet and earrings – and you covered the whole pyramid too! Great work!

Birds can never have too much attention sent their way! I have worked with rhinestones and I am amazed at how much work you put into that bracelet. Those little suckers are really hard to pick up. I really like the little bird ring and may come by your store if you are selling it. I also wanted you to know that I have enjoyed being in class with you. You seemed to ask the questions that I needed answered just before I submitted it. I wish you all the best.

Thanks very much for your sweet comments Susan. That rhinestone bird I did in one day. It was a bit of a challenge, but I wanted the stones to look cohesive. I bought 2 types of tools for picking up the rhinestones. The best one was made by Beadsmith, called a jewel setter. I will be offering the rings this Spring in my store. I really enjoyed sharing this course with you. See you in the Alumni Group ❤

Chris, your bracelets are amaaaaaaazing, and that ring is just precious! That little bird stamping on the ring is adorable; I keep looking at it and think I need to buy some. I’m trying to stay on track with my line and not go “off the tracks” too much, but that little stamping I am sure to find a use for. Isn’t it funny how your artistic temperament did a 360? I love where it has gone, and wish you every success.

Thanks very much Beth! That little bird is fantastic, part of my line, and really inspired a lot of my pieces.
I was unprepared for the change in my temperament. It happened after we were taught to come up with 5 names to describe our style. It was quite a shock those words!
It’s been awesome going to school with you!

I love gems, too! (It was hard not to use them in my line, but it didn’t call for it.)
Thanks for sharing your thought process. We’ve all had a few aha moments in this class, and it’s been good to see how we each applied the concepts.
Black is so hard to photograph, but we got it!
Your pieces really work well together, I look forward to seeing where you go with it in the future. 🙂

Wow, thanks for your sweet comments Leslie!
You are so right about wanting to use gemstones. I didn’t know you loved them too. I was glad I could squeak some in on my big piece though…
I really enjoyed going to class with you. ❤

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Bio

I love to experiment with my artwork. The last 25ish years, I've added jewlery making to my mixed media artwork.
Now, I primarily work with jewlery design to the exclusion of most of my other artwork.
The magic of beautiful mixed metals, and semi precious stones has utterly enchanted me, and I find great joy creating with them.
I live on an island, with my husband John, a dog Sunny and a cat Joey.
There is a distinct male vibe going in the house.
Perhaps in spite of this, all my work is very light and feminine.
I've decided to blog, to keep track of my many adventures of life and work.
Time zooms by....just slow down, and Blog It!

Hand Made, Mixed Media, Mixed Metals. Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, and Rings for Everyday Wear, a Special Gift or something for an exciting special occassion. Also, you'll find Vintage Pieces and a few Crafts.